Church of St. George of Nakifar (Jgrag) in Mestia

The Church of St. George of Nakifar (Jgrag) in Mestia is the most important cultural and religious monument of the Zemo Svaneti region. Built in the 10th century, this church attracts attention with its unique frescoes and architecture. The main composition of the paintings is the Savior, which was done by the artist Tedore. One of the main shrines of the church is the 11th century icon of St. George, forged from gold and silver by the jeweler Asan, commissioned by Marushani.

On December 28, 2018, the Georgian government awarded the church the status of an immovable cultural monument of national importance, which emphasizes its importance for the country. The church is located in the center of Mestia, in the cemetery of the Seti region. The building is a spacious hall type with a large semicircular apse and a modern western gate, which makes it architecturally different from other churches in Svaneti.

Historically, there was a monastery on the site of the current temple, and the church itself was built in the 19th century on the foundation of an older temple of the 10th-11th centuries. During Soviet times, the building was used as the first exhibition hall of the Ethnographic Museum of Svaneti. From 1995 to 2013, the church again served as a place of regular worship.

The Church of St. George of Nakifara houses significant religious artifacts, including a unique 11th-century cross depicting the martyrdom of St. George and a gold and silver icon of St. George. In addition, here you can see a large icon of the Savior, a typical example of the 10th century, and an icon of the miraculous Mother of God. These relics are of high artistic and historical value.

The Church of St. George of Nakifar is a place of pilgrimage and a significant cultural attraction. Visitors to Mestia are recommended to visit this temple for a deep understanding of the history and culture of the region, as well as to get acquainted with unique works of Georgian art and relics of Christianity.